Best Small Hybrid SUVs of 2023

Crossovers and small SUVs remain some of the most popular cars on the road for their city-friendly size and reasonable on-road cost. Adding electrification to the mix improves this already excellent recipe, making the small hybrid SUV a compelling proposition for the budget-minded shopper in the US. Taking the best compact SUV and adding hybrid power combines everything that’s good about the city runabout segment and fuel-saving tech. It’s a step forward for those not yet ready to go fully electric.

Here is a list of the best small hybrid SUVs of 2023 for sale in the USA:

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Characteristics of the Best Small Hybrid SUVs

Small hybrid SUVs are cropping up in many lineups nowadays. Here’s what you can expect from these high-riding hybrids:

Small footprint makes it ideal for urban environment
Good fuel economy
Reasonable pricing
All-electric range from plug-in hybrid models
Improved practicality and versatility

What to Consider When Buying a Small Hybrid SUV

If you’re shopping for a compact hybrid SUV, there are some things you should know before signing on the dotted line. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of small SUVs with hybrid powertrains:

Pros

All-electric driving range on plug-in hybrid models
Improved fuel economy figures
Slight size is ideal for parking lots and city streets
Capability isn’t negatively affected by hybridization

Cons

Hybrids are more expensive than ICE cars…
…and PHEVs cost even more
Some lose out on cargo space due to battery placement
Subcompact and compact models have tight cabins
Handling can be negatively affected by weighty powertrain

The Smallest Hybrid SUV Models

What’s smaller than a small hybrid SUV? Subcompact hybrid SUV models are even tinier, and while there are benefits to downsizing - such as less money spent on fuel - it does mean you’re sacrificing cargo space, seating room, and often, power. The smallest hybrid SUV options are ideal for those who don’t need to ferry many passengers and only do short trips most of the time.

FAQs

Are compact hybrid SUVs expensive?

In general, hybrid cars are more expensive than their gas counterparts, but that doesn’t mean they are unaffordable. The starting price for the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is around $28k, while the entry-level Hyundai Tucson Hybrid has an MSRP of over $31k. The Ford Escape Hybrid and the Honda CR-V Hybrid start just over $33k.

How reliable are hybrids as small SUV models?

The addition of hybridization doesn’t negatively affect the reliability of a car, and hybrid components need to be covered by a mandated warranty of at least eight years/100,000 miles. Hyundai ups this to 10 years on the battery.

Which small hybrid SUV gets the best gas mileage?

Most of the hybrid and plug-in hybrid small SUVs get fuel economy figures into the 40s, with the PHEV versions benefitting from electric range, too. Regular hybrids worth mentioning include the Honda CR-V Hybrid with EPA figures of 43/36/40 mpg, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid with 31/38/40 mpg, and the Kia Sportage Hybrid at 42/44/43 mpg.